Tanzania’s JP Magufuli Bridge, Africa’s longest low-pylon cable-stayed bridge, opened to traffic on June 19, setting new standards for African infrastructure development. The Lake Victoria crossing combines essential transportation connectivity with groundbreaking green construction technologies.
Built by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), the project faced significant environmental and technical challenges in the lake’s complex hydrological and climatic conditions. During construction, the project team adhered to smart construction and green development principles. It marked the first use in Africa of a self-developed flexible waterstop technology, enabling “zero underwater concrete pouring” for pile cap construction — minimizing the ecological impact on Lake Victoria.
Advanced construction methods addressed the challenging lake-bottom rock formations and complex bridge design. The team deployed intelligent cantilever construction systems and sophisticated concrete temperature control, enabling precise main span casting and digitally controlled high-altitude cable tensioning with millimeter-level accuracy throughout the structure.
The bridge design celebrates Tanzanian culture, with towers incorporating local architectural elements and the structure featuring national flag colors, earning recognition as a “gateway to the future.” The crossing reduces inter-shore travel from two hours to five minutes, facilitating commerce and regional integration.
As a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, the JP Magufuli Bridge demonstrates CRCC’s expertise in challenging African environments while advancing green construction practices. The project establishes a template for future large-scale regional transportation infrastructure development.
Media ContactCompany Name: China Railway Construction Corporation LimitedContact Person: Wen KaiEmail: Send EmailPhone: 010-52688232City: BeijingCountry: ChinaWebsite: https://english.crcc.cn/
